Dark and Light Scholarship

Hi! My name is Addison Griggs, and I’m a senior at Global Impact Academy, a STEAM magnet school in Fairburn, Georgia. My high school experience has been a mix of challenges and opportunities, but each moment has shaped me into the person I am today, someone who is passionate about making a difference in others’ lives. Whether it’s through leadership roles, community service, or exploring my interests, I’ve discovered that my true calling lies in helping others grow and thrive. As I prepare to take the next step in my journey, I’m excited to share my plans. In college, I want to major in psychology with a focus on child development and mental health. My ultimate dream is to become a school psychiatrist, working with students to help them navigate life’s challenges and creating supportive environments where they feel seen, valued, and capable of success. I’ve always believed that mental health is the foundation for a successful education, and I want to dedicate my career to ensuring students have access to the resources they need. A big part of what’s inspired me to pursue this path has been my leadership experiences. One of the moments I’m most proud of is serving as the Southeastern Region Teen Legislative Chair for Jack and Jill of America. In this role, I organized advocacy projects and led discussions on civic engagement with teens across the region. It taught me the power of using my voice to uplift others and how collaboration can bring about real change. Similarly, my involvement in groups like Future Business Leaders of America and Technology Students of America has pushed me out of my comfort zone, helping me develop confidence and communication skills I’ll carry with me into college and beyond. But leadership isn’t the only thing that has shaped me. Community service has played a huge role, too. I’ve had the chance to volunteer with organizations like Meals on Wheels and Hands on Atlanta, where I’ve seen firsthand how small acts of kindness can have a big impact. One moment I’ll never forget is delivering meals to seniors during the holidays and seeing how something as simple as a warm meal and a smile could brighten their day. These experiences have deepened my understanding of mental health and how important it is to offer support, no matter how big or small. Looking ahead, I’m excited to immerse myself in college life. I can’t wait to dive into courses that explore how psychology connects with education and community impact. Beyond academics, I’m eager to join clubs and organizations where I can continue advocating for mental health and building relationships with people who share my passion for helping others. I know college will be a place where I can grow personally and professionally, and I plan to make the most of every opportunity. After college, my goal is to become a school psychiatrist, but my dreams don’t stop there. I hope to work alongside educators and policymakers to promote mental health initiatives in schools, ensuring that every student regardless of their background has access to the tools and support they need to thrive. For me, this journey isn’t just about a career. I’m driven by the desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, and I know that college will be an essential step in helping me turn my dreams into reality. I’m excited for what’s ahead and grateful for the experiences that have brought me this far. Thank you for taking the time to learn about me and my goals.

My name is Tashyra Lyles, and I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. I am currently a senior at Booker T. Washington High School and a Sophomore Psychology major at Atlanta Metropolitan State College. After graduating high school, I will attend Spelman College and enter its dual degree engineering program. A series of experiences have helped me cultivate my love of engineering and encouraged me to use my education to serve my beloved community. I was in the fifth grade when I joined my school's lego league robotics team. This experience was my earliest memory of learning to utilize my problem-solving skills and build solutions through technology. I still remember the first competition my team and I participated in: the Trash Trek Challenge. The goal of the match was to deliver different lego blocks to their designated space. Our robot had to complete twelve tasks, and once the competition began, we had to refrain from touching it until the game was over. The competition required us to construct blueprints, manipulate coding software, and, most importantly, work as a team. I'm unsure if it was the challenging problems, the collaborative nature, or the gratification of seeing our robots in motion but this competition sparked my passion for engineering and made me want to explore it further. As I grew and learned more about engineering, I not only began to explore a career in engineering but about how I could leverage my personal career to positively impact my community. Traveling and my participation in different activities, led me to notice the major differences between the surrounding communities and my own. For example, the inadequate stormwater management, traffic congestion, and most pressing, the lack of affordable housing that is being exacerbated by the growing population and gentrification. These shortcomings can greatly impact the quality of life for present and future residents. Therefore as I obtain my post-secondary education in Civil Engineering, I plan to develop solutions that will revitalize not only my community but other communities that are also in need of the same assistance if not more. I have many plans that I would like to put into place after I graduate, I first want to develop sustainable designs to combat stormwater runoff because if not managed properly it can have a significant negative impact on water quality, flood control, erosion control, and the environment as a whole. I then want to start working on Atlanta’s city’s traffic congestion issue by improving access to public transportation and promoting alternative modes of transportation, such as biking or walking, which can be achieved through infrastructure improvements like bike lanes or added pedestrian walkways. Most importantly though, I plan to address Atlanta’s lack of affordable housing by developing designs that are cost-effective and sustainable. Not only would construction materials be more affordable, but my recent involvement in Stockbridge’s Real Estate Enrichment Program (REEP) would allow me to optimize land usage by designing housing projects that make efficient use of space, such as multi-story buildings, mixed-use developments, or cluster housing. Indian revolutionary Mahatma Gandhi once said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Therefore, I look forward to continuing to learn more about engineering and being able to master my craft and advance humanity through the development of better technology.

My name is Malik bridges, I am a senior at McEachern high school. I am involved In the choir for my forth year now ; I’ve been in every musical my school has had, I am also the Vice President of my chorus class. Being a member of the chorus council is something I take very serious for it is a huge responsibility to me. I am also a member of a club my school calls “kings club” a club where we uplift brotherhood !! I’m looking to become Vice President of that club also. While I have involved myself In the arts aspect of school my dream degree is nursing ; I am going to college to become a nurse practitioner. I wanted to go into this field because although I love to sing and act I have other hobbies or desires in life. I love people, always have ! I’m looking forward to becoming a nurse so that I can assist those in need to my best abilities. Being in the Medical field is something I’ve been passionate about since I was a little kid . Helping people has always been my nature and I can’t wait to do it for my career. I grew up in downtown Atlanta where the education was not the best but thanks to my mother we were moved into a county with a better education system. I live with my single mother who has been my solid parent for my whole life , my mom has been my rock, protecter, provider etc . Growing up with a single mother I could do nothing but dream of someday helping her out and repaying her for all she has done for me and what better way than becoming successful in something I love and taking care of my mother. While I know this journey to success won’t be easy I am not frightened for my faith is stronger than my fear. A side factor about me ; I am a Christian!!! Who strives for a relationship with god. I have been on this journey for a while now, the lord has always been good to me and I believe he deserves all of the praise. I’m taking it day by day and will not let anything throw me off my path. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to be apart of this scholarship while I hope I win ! Whoever wins deserves it, Have a great day thank you again.